“Incident” between mayor and city manager of Coral Gables under investigation

CORAL GABLES, Florida. — Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak issued a cryptic statement Wednesday confirming that an “incident” occurred at City Hall this week. He said his department’s internal affairs division is currently investigating, but did not say who was involved.

Later Wednesday, City Councilwoman Melissa Castro confirmed in a brief statement that the “incident” in question involved Mayor Vince Lago and City Manager Amos Rojas Jr.

Lago released a statement on Wednesday saying: “I categorically deny all allegations of an altercation at City Hall, especially since there is a witness (the deputy city manager) who can confirm this. This is nothing more than political theater.”

Local 10 News has attempted to contact Rojas for comment.

Rojas, who was appointed in February, has a law enforcement background, including as a U.S. Marshal.

Lago was one of two commissioners who voted against hiring Rojas. The mayor said at the time that he looked forward to working with Rojas, but voted no because he had only met him an hour earlier.

Rojas’ appointment came after commissioners voted to fire City Manager Peter Iglesias.

A city spokesperson referred Local 10 News to Hudak’s statement when asked for further comment on the incident.